What we don't know about Apple's upcoming slate PC

If Apple won't say, maybe you shouldn't buy

I'm as guilty as any other writer in getting swept up in the iPad's promise. And my 18-year history of dealing with Apple means I know all too well how the company withholds information, thus creating a vacuum that allows rumours and speculation to run rampant, while keeping Apple top of mind at no cost to the company.

I also know firsthand that Apple typically makes better products than its competitors. I have no doubt the iPad will be compelling to some users.

But I now have major concerns that it will fulfill the potential beyond being an iTunes delivery screen that I and other industry observers saw. I can't blame Apple for not delivering on promises it hasn't actually made, but I can be fed up with its lack of information on its products' basic capabilities.

It's to Apple's advantage for us all to assume the iPad can do whatever we want it to do - that's likely why Apple won't say. But it's not to your belief to believe the iPad fulfills your own desires.

Within a few weeks of the iPad's availability this spring, we won't have to speculate about the iPad's actual capabilities, limits, and sleights of hand. We'll actually know. Then we can make rational decisions of whether and where the iPad makes sense. Ultimately, we users get the final say.

If Apple can't take customer questions seriously, maybe we shouldn't take its iPad hype seriously. No one should buy an iPad until we really know what it can do and what limits Apple has set on it. Maybe it does all the things Apple is silent about. But maybe it doesn't.

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Comments

Simon Jary said: I am considering buying an Apple iPad and I once did have my head examined iPad haters who have never seen one let alone used one might want to read almost identical hysterical anti-iPod ranting in 2001 Some of it is almost word for word - no one needs it restrictions non-event stupid market already served useless will never catch on etc 250000000 iPods later

Coolteach said: Is it April 1st What exactly is the point of this It seems to be a larger ie less portable version of the iPhone What useful purpose does it serve

MalcolmF said: Is it too early to start compiling a non-event of the century listThe i-Pad launch could be right in there

Eddie said: Apple have always been Style over Substance why should this product be any different

Anthony said: If anybody is seriously considering this item they need to have their heads read It takes up the same amount of space as most netbooks with functionality similar to the ipod If another company eg SONYHP released something like this they would be slated for years to come In fact SONY get done over for having their own memory stick format Wake up world Apple is pulling the micky

Peter said: FDR - pretty much anything not built by apple as well as nokia and black berry to some degree

Ray Woods said: It Looks quite rightly in my humble opinion the iPad has reached a high place of distinction in the Defective by Design website wwwdefectivebydesignorgAny computer product that comes with inbuilt restrictions deserves to fail I just feel sorry for those who get caught by the hype only to find the restrictions applied to the device by the manufacturer stop them from using it the way they wish to use itIt is not the ability to upgrade that worries me although it would deter me but the fact that I would only be allowed to purchase additional software from Apple or their agents This restriction goes against freedom and liberty deterring innovation and freedom of trade Not something one would expect from a Corporation from the USA now is it